Crags nestbox survey Saturday 9:00am to 1:30pm

Surveyed all the 48 boxes in the Crags and Crimsworth valleys. No target species appear to be using them. However, the occupancy rate of even tits appeared to be less than 25%, which led to the theory that birds are sat on eggs, therefore are between noisily displaying and busily feeding chicks. The boxes will be checked again over coming weeks.

With thanks to Niall Roche, Ian Scott, Nick Carter, and Maggie and Craig who made the workload significantly lighter, and the day more enjoyable.

Hardcastle Crags - 9+ blackcap calling, 2 grey wagtail, 3 spotted flycatcher, 1/2 cuckoo. 4 willow warbler
Crimsworth Dean - Male redstart. Acting very 'coy' for a redstart and barely calling at all. Already found a mate??? Boxes will most certainly be checked in that vicinity. 1 kestrel, 2 willow warbler, 1 lesser black backed gull. 1 roe deer. Unusually, no sign of spotted flycatcher so far.